Thursday, 3 August 2023

Ministers statements: corrections system

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:18): Last month I had the pleasure and honour of attending my first corrective services ministers conference in Brisbane. It was a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, challenges and insights with corrections ministers and senior officials across Australia and New Zealand. A common objective of all the representatives was how we can improve our support for our workforce and their wellbeing.

Members interjecting.

Enver ERDOGAN: It is clear those opposite are not interested in the wellbeing of our corrections officers. That is what is clear.

All Australian representatives talked about a number of issues, and one of them was the contribution that the Commonwealth makes to our corrections systems and the improvements they can assist with. We all agreed that we need to ensure that Commonwealth laws support our efforts to prevent illicit drugs in our system. Access to the NDIS was very topical as well. It is very important, especially in release planning for prisoners, because we know that many of the people in our system have complex health needs and allowing them access to the NDIS upon their release is an important factor in reducing their chances of recidivism and in helping them rehabilitate. Another topic that I found very interesting and very important was support for Commonwealth veterans in our custody.

There are a number of issues that were discussed, and this was a unique opportunity to compare our systems and highlight some of the positives and some of the progress we have made in Victoria. The Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services confirms that Victoria is leading the way when it comes to corrections indicators. Victoria’s prison population decreased by 5.2 per cent last financial year, compared with the national average of 2.2. The trend has continued across the board, and since March 2020 we have had a 20 per cent decrease in the amount of people in our custodial settings. That is in stark contrast to what I heard from other jurisdictions across the nation. Some of them are experiencing record numbers in their custodial facilities, so I am proud to report that Victoria’s strong investment in our justice system is paying dividends. I have no doubt that our programs and services and our focus on rehabilitation are helping prisoners turn their lives around and make it safer for all Victorians.